At first blush, this book brings Tuck Everlasting to mind; however, the author takes it in a slightly different direction. In each chapter, the character point of view alternates mainly between two characters: Ivy and Ronan. These two do not seem to have much in common and become unlikely friends as they attend a competitive and exclusive prep school. Their worlds only intersect sporadically throughout the book as they each deal with their own issues. One is dragged into a mystery and the other is trying to cope on their own with a huge life change. It is sweet to see them interact and gradually become friends, even if it is only occasionally.
This book has a good mix of supernatural, mystery, and that time-treasured setting–the boarding school. There are some skillful surprises woven in at the end and for readers that hate cliff-hangers, sorry, but get used to disappointment because this novel definitely has one.
Stacy McAnulty is an impressive author in that her books are so stylistically different from each other in format, style, and genre. See our reviews for Millionaires for the Month and The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, which are both fabulous reads. Forever Twelve is an extremely satisfying read and an excellent addition to Ms. McAnulty’s growing literary list.
Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy provided by the Publisher
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 1 religious profanity;
Violence/Gore: Character is afraid that someone is going to harm herself with scissors (she does not); reference to the death of a family members from illness; character has vision of harm to someone; report that someone was sick to the point of death; someone (in jest) threatens to stick a plastic straw up someone’s nose; character dies from illness; report of deaths in a fire; report of severe burn to an individual; severe accident resulting in a fall from a great height resulting in death; premonition of someone’s death.
Sex/Nudity: Someone is told his going to get the “talk”, but it ends up not being a talk about birds and the bees; character ask to hold someone’s hands–and clarifies it is not for romantic purposes; mention that someone will never have their first kiss or fall in love or get married.
Mature Subject Matter:
Death of a family member, cancer, psychic abilities, cheating, enslavement and racial discrimination (historical references to), ethical questions around immortality.
Alcohol/Drug Use:
None
